Parvathy Thiruvothu Defends ‘Kasaba’ Criticism, Dismisses Pressure to Conform Amidst New Controversies
In a candid reflection on one of the most talked-about moments in recent Malayalam cinema history, acclaimed actress Parvathy Thiruvothu has reaffirmed her stance regarding the 2016 Mammootty-starrer Kasaba. Speaking in a recent interview, the actor addressed the enduring fallout of her critique and clarified her creative boundaries in light of new industry controversies.
Standing by Her Truth
Years after sparking a massive debate at an International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) open forum, Parvathy remains unwavering in her assessment that the film contained misogynistic undertones. When asked if the subsequent backlash and the professional “losses” she incurred were worth it, the actor was philosophical.
“In hindsight, those losses aren’t really losses,” she told Manorama News. “It revealed things and people that needed to be revealed. Even if you ask me today, I’ll say the same about that movie. The truth remains the truth.”
Parvathy also pointed out that her critique was not an isolated incident of “hurting egos,” as some detractors claimed. She reminded the public that the Kerala Women’s Commission had already initiated a suo motu case against the film months before she voiced her opinion, citing scenes and dialogues that portrayed women in a disparaging light.
Clearing the Air on Geetu Mohandas
The discourse has recently resurfaced due to the intense public scrutiny surrounding director Geetu Mohandas and her latest venture, Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups. Because the original Kasaba criticism occurred while Parvathy was seated next to Mohandas, some have attempted to conflate their ideologies.
Parvathy was quick to reject these comparisons, stating that she and Mohandas maintain a friendship built on mutual respect for creative autonomy.
“Geetu hasn’t endorsed my views. She can make any movie she wants,” Parvathy emphasized. “Just because I said it seated next to her doesn’t mean her films should follow the same system. We don’t restrict each other… Linking the two is just following that age-old patriarchal trope that ‘a woman is a woman’s worst enemy.’ I’m not ready to be a part of that.”
‘Toxic’ Faces Box Office Challenges
As the conversation around creative expression continues, the film at the center of the current discourse, Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, has seen a notable dip in performance. After a strong opening, the Yash-starrer experienced a decline during its first Monday, collecting an estimated ₹7.45 crore net in India.
Despite the cooling numbers, the film—which also features Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Sudev Nair, and Tara Sutaria—has achieved a commendable India net collection of ₹221.55 crore, with a total gross exceeding ₹264 crore.
For Parvathy, the cycle of controversy serves as a reminder of the industry’s evolving relationship with accountability. By refusing to retract her past statements, she continues to position herself as a voice for critical discourse, regardless of the personal cost.
